“Russian swing I like teaching first ’cause it helps people with the mechanics. Once you get your mechanics squared away there, then you can move up,” Martone says at this CrossFit Kettlebell Trainer Course at Progressive F.O.R.C.E. CrossFit in Las Vegas.

He continues: “The power swing is gonna generate a little more force. Then you’ll see when we get to the American swing how easy it is because all your mechanics are dialed in.”

The power swing shortens the distance the weight travels as the kettlebell is pushed down. It’s more grip intensive and more taxing in general, Martone explains. Still, there is always rapid and full hip extension, he notes. And your grip should be tight enough to lock down the kettlebell.

“Floppy top—don’t want that,” Martone says.

He compares the power swing to a ball slam.

“When I push down, guess what? My butt is still tight, my hips are still locked straight. Boom. It’s pushed. Then hips go back. It’s gotta be in that order.”

In the CrossFit Kettlebell Trainer course, Jeff Martone says a good kettlebell swing has four key elements: weight on the heels, neutral neck, straight back and purposeful breathing. He emphasizes… Continue Reading

One of Jeff Martone’s favorite drills is a hip-flexor stretch followed by vertical jumps and kettlebell swings.

“You’ll feel a difference. You should be a lot more explosive,” he says. “A… Continue Reading

1 Comment on “The Power Swing”

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Having just gone thru Jeff Martone's Kettlebell Cert. this past weekend, not only would I recommend the cert. to all athletes, but I find this video series helpful as a review to the cert. or to learn the basics of kettlebells correctly. The kettlebell techniques learned at the cert. and through a video series like this, I find applicable to all aspects of improving sport performance and strength and conditioning training.

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